Friday, March 31, 2017

Wake Up Call - It's not over!

I woke up this morning thinking about yesterday and the incredible response from supporters of the bill containing amendments to Casey's Law. I will forever be grateful for all of the calls and emails in support of HB 305 and for the words of encouragement after it was killed in the Senate.

At the same time, there was another thought that crossed my mind. Today, is the perfect opportunity to express disappointment about the lack of action on HB 305 and ask the hard questions about why it was set aside.

The issue of taking away a person's rights seems to have been one of the issues that was a problem for the Senate Leadership responsible for deciding what bills are reported for a vote. So, this morning let's think about rights, your rights.

You have the right to talk to your legislators about what is important to you. Otherwise, you cannot expect them to know, especially not to know about the disease of addiction and how it effects your family. Make no mistake! As much reporting as there has been about the drug epidemic, understanding of addiction is found lacking. If this is important to you, let your legislators know it. All of the contact information that you need can be found at www.lrc.ky.gov

You have the right to advocate for your loved ones as you would if they had any other chronic, progressive, potentially fatal illness. That means on every level not just in state government. Do not give that right away to others who would have you believe that your relationship is altered or worse, obliterated when a person becomes a certain age. When does your son stop being your son, your daughter stop being your daughter, your mother stop being your mother, your father stop being your father, and so on. You get the picture.

AND you have the right to cast your vote for legislators who act on your behalf, who are educated about addiction and make their decisions based on that knowledge rather than on personal opinions about people who have this disease.

Recovery advocacy happens all year long, not just in the 30 or 60 days that the Legislature is in session. You have the opportunity today and every day to get in touch with your State Representative and Senator. Get to know your legislators and let them get to know you. It's by your vote that they have the right to serve in this critically important decision-making position for YOU and the people you love and care about. This is not only regret about HB 305. Regardless of what the bill related to addiction, legislators will be more likely to vote your voice if they have heard your voice.